Folding Table Lift-Assist Cylinder and Bench Stabilizer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile folding tables with attached seating are difficult to lift from an unfolded to a folded position due to heavy table tops and have unstable bench seating that can tilt when folded, posing safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A mobile folding table design featuring a high-speed cylinder assembly for assisted lifting and a stabilizer mechanism that keeps benches upright, allowing for easy opening and closing, and preventing side-to-side tilting by using hingedly and slidably connected bench legs fixedly attached to the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional heavy table tops are used in mobile folding tables, then the table structure is strong and stable, but the table becomes difficult to lift from unfolded to folded position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gas cylinder assembly to provide pneumatic assistance for lifting the heavy table top during folding operations. The gas cylinder generates upward force to counteract the weight of the table top, making it easier to transition from unfolded to folded position while maintaining structural integrity
2Device complexity
If benches are freely connected without stabilizers in folded position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the benches become unstable and may tilt from side to side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces stabilizer mechanisms as intermediary components between the benches and the table structure. These stabilizers act as mediators that prevent excessive tilting motion of the benches during folding and when stored in the folded position, ensuring stability without requiring complex rigid connections
3Reliability
If typical cylinder assemblies with resistance to rapid extension are used, then the table can be controlled during folding, but the table becomes harder to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of the gas cylinder assembly by adjusting the orifice size and flow characteristics to minimize resistance during rapid extension. This parameter optimization allows the cylinder to provide necessary control during folding while offering minimal opposition to rapid opening and closing motions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a stable and easy-to-use mobile folding table that can be efficiently opened and closed, ensuring safety and convenience in institutional settings by eliminating resistance to rapid extension in the gas cylinder and maintaining bench stability during folding.
Implementation Method 1
The cylinder assembly contains compressed fluid adapted to produce a force tending to move its members apart from each other to extend the assembly toward the fully extended position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a mobile folding table with attached seating having an improved lift-assist mechanism. In particular, the table includes a gas cylinder that provides a force tending to extend the cylinder to assist in folding the table into a storage position, the cylinder providing substantially no force to resist rapid extension thereof. Preferably, a mobile folding table according to the present invention also includes a stabilizing mechanism including center bench legs attached to a center leg structure that is maintained substantially upright whether the table is in an unfolded use configuration, in a mobile folded storage configuration, or in the process of being folded or unfolded. In this manner, the attached benches are prevented from freely tipping when the table is being folded or moved.